Madonna criticised for defying police warning to use gun props on stage

Lothian and Borders Police had warned against the props. Picture: AP

MADONNA has been criticised after brandishing a hand weapon and machine gun on stage in Edinburgh, just two days after the 12 people were shot dead in a cinema in Denver.

The US singer defied a warning from Lothian and Borders Police not to use the controversial props during her first-ever performance in Scotland.

Critics said the move was particularly insensitive in light of Friday morning’s massacre, the worst US mass shooting since 2009.

“Madonna has obviously developed this as part of her routine, but I think common sense should have been applied this weekend. Given the recent events in Denver and the fact that she was in Scotland – where the Dunblane massacre occurred – better judgement should have been used,” said Shabnum Mustapha, director of Amnesty International Scotland.